DairyNZ welcomes new Ministerial appointments

Industry-good body DairyNZ
has welcomed the appointment of Levin dairy farmer Nathan
Guy to the position of Minister for Primary
Industries.

DairyNZ Chairman John Luxton says the dairy
industry is leading a renewed focus on responsible and
competitive dairy farming, with a new Sustainable Dairying;
Water Accord about to be released and a Strategy for
Sustainable Dairy Farming under development and going to be
launched in May.

“We know the Minister has first-hand
knowledge of dairy farming and its challenges – and will
be able to engage easily with farmers and talk their
language,” he says. “That’s a huge plus when you are
doing that job.”

Mr Luxton, a Minister himself for nine
years, including holding the agriculture portfolio, says
it’s a challenging role because the area is so broad and
covers a very wide brief from operational to policy to trade
issues.

“We thank David Carter for the significant
contribution he made to the portfolio and the rural sector
including the transition from MAF to MPI. He had the
gravitas and industry knowledge to get through a number of
key initiatives including the introduction of the National
Animal Identification and Tracing scheme – a huge and
challenging step forward.”

John Luxton says he’s also
delighted to welcome Jo Goodhew as Associate Minister for
Primary Industries.

“Both Ministers serve important
dairying electorates and I’m sure a close affinity with
their communities will be an added advantage. They come into
their roles with a good practical knowledge of farming
because of where they come from. We look forward to working
with
them.”

Rocket Lab has signed a Commercial Space Launch Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The agreement enables Rocket Lab to use NASA resources - including personnel, facilities and equipment - for launch and reentry efforts. More>>

ALSO:

Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says some market commentators are predicting further declines in interest rates that would only make sense for an economy in recession, although some easing is likely to be needed to maintain New Zealand’s economic growth. More>>

Legal advice sought by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on the Ruataniwha Dam consent conditions has confirmed that farmers who sign up to take water from the dam could be required to reduce the intensity of their farming operation to meet the catchment’s strict nitrogen limit. More>>

Health and safety law reform sparked by the Pike River coalmine disaster has been reported back from the industrial relations select committee with weakened requirements on small businesses to appoint health and safety representatives and committees. More>>

The value of fruit exported rose 20 percent (up $330 million) for the June 2015 year when compared with the year ended June 2014. Both higher prices and a greater quantity of exports (up 9.0 percent) contributed to the overall rise. More>>